Brighton’s biggest night club and the neighbouring seafront cinema have closed their doors with immediate effect after building defects were found.
The closure of the Kingswest complex has meant that the Odeon cinema, Pryzm night club, Steinbeck and Shaw, Costa coffee and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream bar have all also shut.
The Kingswest Centre is now owned by Brighton Shore, a company linked to Matsim, which is restoring the nearby Hippodrome.
Matsim has been described as a company “bringing new life to neglected buildings and brownfield sites through active asset management and comprehensive redevelopment”.
Brighton Shore said: “We are aware of serious issues with this prominent building that could have serious consequences for members of the public in close proximity.
“Odeon Cinemas are responsible for keeping Kingswest repaired and safe for visitors and passers-by in the public realm.
“It has been established that the external walls are in an unstable condition and are at risk of collapse under wind pressure.
“We are trying to work closely with Odeon to ensure that the building is made safe urgently and it can continue to be used as a major place of entertainment.
“In the meantime we ask that pedestrians avoid walking under the walls on the sides of Kingswest which face King’s Road and West Street.
“It is these walls that have been identified by structural engineers as at risk of collapse.”
The landmark Kingswest entertainment complex was opened by the Rank group almost 60 years ago, with the Top Rank Suite night club and the Odeon cinema.
The night club, in West Street, went from being the Top Rank to the Event, Event II, Oceana and, most recently, Pryzm.
The Odeon said: “This cinema is currently closed for repairs. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you back soon.”
Pryzm said: “Following advice from our landlord regarding structural issues with the Kingswest complex, Pryzm Brighton and the neighbouring Odeon will remain closed to the public until further notice.
“The safety of our guests and staff is our absolute priority and, while this sudden closure is deeply disappointing, we fully support taking all necessary precautions.
“We are working closely with both the landlord and Brighton and Hove City Council to assess the situation and determine the required remedial works.
“All ticket holders for upcoming events will receive full refunds automatically. Our team will be in contact directly with those affected but guests can also reach us with any queries at brighton@pryzm.co.uk.
“We will share updates on the reopening timeline as soon as we have more information.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our guests for their understanding during this period.”
Steinbeck and Shaw said: “Due to some unexpected building issues with the Kingswest complex that are out of our control, we’re temporarily closing our doors.
“We know this isn’t the news you want to hear (trust us, we’re gutted too) but your safety is everything to us. No compromise.”
Whoever designed this building must have designed the ugly buildings on the ugliest street in Hove the GRAND AVENUE. I hope it gets knocked down soon and the frontage overlooking the sea is used for shops, bars, restaurants etc instead of just being a blank frontage. Even the inside of the now building is falling apart.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) ? It is the right age for that stuff.
It was only bought a few months ago and I don’t see anyone buying it if RACC was suspected to be found anywhere in the building.
https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/05/06/hippodrome-owners-buy-landmark-building-on-brighton-seafront/
I hope you are right, but any surveyor’s report will be filled with disclaimers. I also know that BHCC building control records will not go that far back.
I don’t think anyone would miss this building however.
Is this the same Pryzm (Rekom) group that is/was in administration ? and shut down loads of clubs in January ?
An irrelevant point, considering the article very clearly defines this as the responsibility of Odeon Cinemas, and are responsible for keeping the Kingswest building repaired and safe.
Not if they cannot afford the repairs. “Responsible” could mean the management of rather than who pays what.
I see the point you are getting to make, but there is nothing to suggest an odd arrangement like that.
Looks more Prison than Przym
Haha! That was a good one Nige. Really made me chuckle (insert minion Facebook meme)
Convenient !
When this ugly building went up it was an ice rink. This was closed because it was said that they could no longer keep the ice level as it had been built on unstable land. Is this another event due to unstable land.?
Just from looking at the building over the years, it’s clear it has not been well maintained at all.